X-Tex for removing Artex

MrBear1980

Hello,

I am new to this forum, new to DIY, in fact new to everything. Myself and my gf have just moved into our first house. It's a 1970's 3 bed terrace that needs a lot of TLC (that's why we bought it). The first job on our list is to remove all of the artex. Every bit of ceiling, both upstairs and down is artexed. First off, I can hear people saying that the easiest thing to do is cover it over, either with plasterboard or get a plasterer to skim it. Well, to be honest, we intend to stay in this house for a long time and we would rather make the effort and get rid of the stuff once and for all. I am going to assume that the artex contains asbestos and so I would be happier knowing that it is gone.

I have been reading about a product called X-Tex textured surface remover. Apparently it is a safe and fairly simply way of removing artex (due to it being a form of 'wet' removal rather than sanding/hacking off). It seems to get glowing reviews by everybody that has used it. I just have some questions:

1. Does anyone have experience of using it and can you give me any advice?
2. One drawback people have said is that it can 'pull your ceiling down too'. Does this mean that the plaster underneath the artex might also come loose? In which case, is this simply a case of having the ceilings re-plastered?
3. Are there any other (better) methods of removing the artex.

I am well aware that the job might be messy but this is fine. If it drips gunge all over the carpets it's ok, they are all going to be ripped up anyhow.

Thanks